Our collaborative researchers are a mix of academics and students, molecular biologists and chemists. All of whom sharing the one passion and goal of 100% compostable bioplastics that leave no trace on land or in water.
Professor Daniel Murphy
BIH Centre Director and Biochemist
Professor Daniel Murphy
BIH Centre Director and Biochemist
Professor Daniel Murphy is a distinguished microbiologist and biochemist serving as the Director of the Bioplastics Innovation Hub at Murdoch University. In this role, he leads pioneering research focused on developing 100% compostable bioplastics as sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics. Under Professor Murphy's guidance, the Hub collaborates with CSIRO and industry partners to innovate in the field of biodegradable polymers.
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Dr Alex Gulizia
Polymer chemist
Dr Alex Gulizia
Polymer chemist
Leading the polymer chemistry team in the research of novel biopolymer materials for applications through chemical modification and functionalisation.
Francesca Brailsford
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Francesca Brailsford
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Dr Francesca Brailsford is a Research Fellow and manages the radioisotopes laboratory for the Bioplastics Innovation Hub.
Dr Sakshi Tiwari
Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr Sakshi Tiwari
Postdoctoral Fellow
Environmental Microbiologist specialising in bioplastics, bio-cementation and biomaterials, driving sustainable and low-carbon solutions for industry.
Dr Annachiara Codello
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Dr Annachiara Codello
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Annachiara has a background in molecular and microbiology for both private and public companies in international and local environmental projects.
Dr Paton Vuong
Bioinformatician
Dr Paton Vuong
Bioinformatician
Bioinformatician working with large-scale molecular and chemical datasets that require the use of High-Performance Computing
Samantha Viljoen
PHD student
Samantha Viljoen
PHD student
Specialising in the degradation of bioplastics and plastic additives in agriculture, focusing on the impact on soil health and sustainability.
Hussain Alattas
PHD student
Hussain Alattas
PHD student
Hussain brings his extensive expertise in bacterial-plant interactions to the program broadening plastic research into agricultural microbiology.
Cheryl Rimmer
Research Officer
Cheryl Rimmer
Research Officer
With broad ranging experience, Cheryl is leading the field trials for the Bioplastics Innovation Hub.
Crystal Young
PHD student
Crystal Young
PHD student
A molecular ecologist who explores local niches to discover novel biopolymer synthases via bioinformatics and rapid protein screening methods.
Dana Griffiths
PHD student
Dana Griffiths
PHD student
Dana is developing a range of synthetic biology tools for haloarchaea to address global challenges such as plastic waste.
Harrison O’Sullivan
PHD student
Harrison O’Sullivan
PHD student
Harrison’s research focuses on engineering hypersaline microbes for industrial-scale bioplastics production.
Joseph Boctor
PhD Student
Joseph Boctor
PhD Student
A background in genomics, proteomics, enzyme engineering, and molecular biology, Joseph’s creating sustainable biotech solutions for environmental issues.
